California police recently apprehended a thief who managed to steal over $30,000 worth of Labubu dolls, returning the stolen viral items to the store after the unusual heist.

Typically, when robbers raid warehouses, they target high-value items such as electronics, pricey accessories, and cash. However, in this peculiar case, one thief decided to focus on the viral dolls that have taken over social media this summer.

Labubus have become popular handbag accessories and collectable items amid their booming social media popularity (Edward Berthelot/Getty Images)

Fortunately, the police were able to catch the so-called "blind box bandit" after they seized an incredibly valuable stash of dolls. The stolen goods were promptly returned to the store's rightful owner. This bizarre robbery serves as a stark reminder of how much certain products' values can be inflated by their viral status on social media platforms.

As reported by the New York Post, California police recovered more than $30,000 worth of Labubu dolls from a home in Chino, a suburb in San Bernardino County.

What Are Labubus?
If you haven't heard of Labubus, they are quirky, sometimes unattractive, fluffy dolls known for their wide-eyed stare and spiky, toothy grins. Available in a range of colors, expressions, and "themes," some Labubus are more sought after and valuable than others.

These strange dolls have surged in popularity as handbag accessories and collectibles, fueled by their rapid rise on social media. Celebrities like Dua Lipa and Lisa from Blackpink have been spotted sporting these dolls attached to their bags, further increasing their appeal.

Fans can buy their favorite versions directly, with some of the rarest and most sought-after Labubus fetching prices above $500. Alternatively, they can try their luck with "blind boxes" priced at around $28, where the buyer is surprised with a random doll each time they open the package.

The dolls' popularity has been amplified on TikTok, where users share videos of their blind box openings, making Labubus even more desirable and fueling the ongoing craze.

Where Were the Labubus Stolen From?
The dolls' soaring market value is the reason why the thieves bypassed electronics and cash in favor of the collectible dolls. A large portion of the stolen stock came from One Stop Sales, a popular store. The store shared the news of the recovered goods on Instagram, expressing gratitude to the authorities for their help.

"Thank you to the industry sheriff's department for helping us recover some of our items," the store posted, adding that the "case is still under investigation right now, no further comment. We will update if more of our items are found."

This post hints that more Labubus may still be out there, hidden somewhere. It’s believed the thieves planned to resell the stolen dolls for an inflated price across the United States. The case continues to unfold, raising questions about the extent of the viral doll craze and its impact on criminal behavior.